MOUNT PLEASANT—The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Affairs Committee reminds Henry County residents that the second public forum with area legislators of 2012 will be held this Saturday, February 25, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., in the International Room of Chadwick Library on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan College. The primary topic of discussion will be taxation and the economy.
Iowa state representatives Dave Heaton (R-Mount Pleasant) and Tom Sands (R-Wapello), and Senator Eugene Fraise (D-Fort Madison), have agreed to attend. Other area lawmakers have also been invited. Representative Sands is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which recently passed a property tax reform bill that has been a primary focus of discussion throughout the session. While the reduction of commercial property taxes is considered by many to be essential to Iowa’s economic growth, some local government officials and lawmakers have raised concerns that the House plan will put inancial stress on cities.
Mr. Jason Hutcheson, Director of Economic Development for the Greater Burlington (Iowa) Partnership, will moderate. A member of the Professional Developers of Iowa Board of Directors, Hutcheson has earned the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer designation. He holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from St. Ambrose University.
The Chamber Alliance legislative forums are an excellent venue for civic discussion, as lawmakers and residents meet collaboratively to share thoughts, ideas, and concerns on Iowa’s future. All area residents are encouraged to attend and be prepared with questions.
The schedule of remaining forums for 2012 is as follows:
Saturday, March 24 Health Care
Saturday, April 28 Economic Development trends/job growth
All forums are held at Chadwick Library and begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.
